How do I get started?

To obtain antivirus software download it from the Anti-Virus Software webpage. For instructions on how to install and configure the software, click the UofC Installation Instructions links.

What are DAT files?

Antivirus applications like VirusScan require information such as virus signatures to detect viruses. McAfee refers to this information as virus definitions. As new viruses are discovered, McAfee releases new virus definitions files (DAT files) to enable VirusScan to detect them.

What is AutoUpdate?

AutoUpdate is a feature in VirusScan that automates getting DAT files. In Virex, this feature is called eUpdate. AutoUpate can be configured to obtain DAT files automatically at startup or scheduled to obtain them at any time. AutoUpdate can also download and install incremental DATs, EXTRA.DATs, software engine upgrades, Service Packs, and HotFixes.

Where do you get DAT files?

DAT files can be downloaded automatically using a feature called AutoUpdate in VirusScan and eUpdate in Virex. AutoUpdate can be configured to download the files from McAfee or the IT FTP server. Instructions are available in the VirusScan and Virex UofC Installation Instructions.

How often are DAT files updated?

McAfee releases a new DAT file every day, Monday-through-Friday, including holidays, except December 25th and January 1st (or the nearest weekday). There are no Saturday or Sunday releases unless a Medium or higher virus risk warrants it. McAfee usually releases the new DATs at approximately 6 pm GMT (11 am MST) every day, but they may be released earlier or later in the day.

What is MailScanner?

MailScanner is software that automatically scans all incoming and outgoing email on campus for viruses and suspicious attachments. MailScanner uses a Unix version of VirusScan to detect viruses. VirusScan is updated hourly to make sure the latest virus definition (DAT) files are used.

I keep getting emails with {VIRUS?} in the subject line. What does it mean?

When you get an email with {VIRUS?} in the subject line, it means that MailScanner has detected a virus or suspicious attachment in your email and has either cleaned or quarantined it.

Do you block email with MailScanner?

At the present time MailScanner has been configured to block (that is, delete) email messages infected with all variants of the following viruses: SirCam, Klez, Yaha, Sobig, Bugbear, Dumaru, Holar, Bagle, Mydoom, and Netsky.

Why not block all viruses?

The current policy at Information Technologies is to block any virus that exceeds 300 detections per day on MailScanner and that is capable of sending infected messages using its own SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) engine. So far, only a few viruses have met these two requirements. These viruses however constitute the vast majority of the detections on MailScanner.

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software is a program that either comes installed on your computer or that you purchase and install yourself. It helps protect your computer against most viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and other unwanted invaders that can make your computer "sick." Viruses, worms, and the like often perform malicious acts, such as deleting files, accessing personal data, or using your computer to attack other computers.